Reds Confirm Gonzalez Signing

16 August 2012 07:35

Whilst youngster Digby signs improved contract.

Barnsley have confirmed the signing of Colombian goalkeeper David Gonzalez.

The 30 year old has signed on a non-contract basis to provide cover for the suspended Ben Alnwick and the injured Luke Steele. The former Manchester City and Aberdeen stopper is set to make his debut in the Championship opener with Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Reds boss Keith Hill told www.barnsleyfc.co.uk:

“He’s a player that I’ve admired for quite a long period of time. It’s a great opportunity to come into a team full of confidence.”

Meanwhile one of the club’s stars of the future, Paul Digby has extended his contract at Oakwell as Hill strives to tie down the club’s young talent. The 17 year old who made his debut in a 1-1 at Derby last September and has since made a further three appearances has signed a contract until 2015.

The club have been hit with bad news on the eve of the league season with Jim O’Brien ruled out for up to 12 weeks. The 24 year old suffered a dislocated shoulder in the Capital One Cup win over Rochdale with the orginial diagnosis sidelining him for eight weeks. But after seeing a specialist the recuperation period has been extended for another month.

Hill told the official website:

“Jim O’Brien’s been to see his consultant and we’re led to believe it’s going to be a 12-week period.

It’s a massive, massive loss for the football club and for me as a manager. It’s a shame but it’s something we have to deal with.”